History in Print featuring 'Power Moves'

In 1950, Greater Houston had just one freeway: the Gulf Freeway, the first sections of which were built immediately after World War II. Since then, more than 1,200 miles of freeways have been built in Houston and Harris County, and additional freeways are under construction. Highways have driven nearly every aspect of Houston’s postwar development, from the physical layout of the city to the political process that has transformed both the transportation network and the balance of power between the government and citizens.

In his book Power Moves: Transportation, Politics, and Development in Houston, the Kinder Institute’s Kyle Shelton examines the debates around highway and public transportation systems in Houston and shows how Houstonians helped shape the city’s growth during the planning and construction of the city’s transportation network. Power Moves also looks at the long-term results of choosing highways over other transit options and the challenges that present-day Houstonians face as they try to reshape neighborhoods and areas of the city around auto-based infrastructure.

Shelton will be signing his book after his presentation. Power Moves will be available for purchase for $30 at the event.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Proler Chapel at Congregation Emanu El, 1500 Sunset Boulevard.

Admission to History in Print is free for Preservation Houston members and members of Congregation Emanu El. Admission is $5 per person for the general public.

Free parking is available in the garage located behind the synagogue (enter from Sunset Boulevard). Congregation Emanu El is also a short walk from the Hermann Park/Rice University station on MetroRail's Red Line.

History in Print is part of the Bart Truxillo Program Series, which honors the memory of pioneer preservationist and Preservation Houston co-founder Bart Truxillo. The Bart Truxillo Program Series is made possible by the generous contributions of Preservation Houston's members and friends.